National races to watch

September 11, 1990|By New York Times News Service

Ten states, as well as the District of Columbia, hold primary elections today: Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Minnesota and Arizona. Some key races:

ARIZONA

Incumbent Gov. Rose Mofford is retiring. Evan Mecham, a former governor impeached for obstructing an investigation of his staff, is trying to make a comeback in the Republican gubernatorial primary. The front-runner, J. Fife Symington, a millionaire developer, said he would support any of his opponents in the general election except Mr. Mecham, who he said needs "a poke in the nose."

Among Democrats, Terry Goddard, ex-mayor of Phoenix and soof a former governor, is leading Dave Moss, a real-estate developer.

CONNECTICUT

Big race is the Democratic one for governor, although formeRepublican Sen. Lowell P. Weicker Jr., running as an independent, is given a good chance of winning in November. U.S. Representative Bruce A. Morrison is battling William J. Cibes Jr., a state Assembly member. Mr. Cibes advocates a state income tax; Mr. Morrison would avoid one unless voters approved it in a referendum.

Representative John G. Rowland already has the Republican nomination.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Five Democrats are running for mayor to replace Marion S. Barry Jr., who declined to run after being indicted on drug charges. Leaders are John Ray, an 11-year veteran of the City Council; Sharon Pratt Dixon, a lawyer and party activist, and Charlene Drew Jarvis, also an 11-year-veteran of City Council. All are calling for improving race relations and reducing crime. Ms. Dixon is the only one repeatedly attacking Mr. Barry.

The Republican, who is unopposed in the primary, is Maurice Turner Jr., former police chief.

MINNESOTA

Gov. Rudy Perpich, dogged in his third term by low approval ratings, is facing a strong challenge in the Democratic race from Mike Hatch, a lawyer who has accused him of providing no leadership. In the closing days, Mr. Hatch has focused on his support for legal abortion, which Mr. Perpich opposes. If Mr. Perpich survives the primary, he will end up as one of five opponents of abortion around the country running as the Democratic nominee for governor against a Republican who supports abortion rights, an illustration of how complex the issue's political impact has become.

Among Republicans, Arne Carlson, state auditor, is leading in a field that includes Jon Grunseth, a business executive, and Doug Kelley, a lawyer. Mr. Carlson's opponents are portraying him as soft on crime and the environment. Mr. Grunseth is a strong opponent of abortion. Mr. Carlson supports a woman's right to an abortion.

NEW YORK

The incumbent governor, Mario M. Cuomo, a Democrat, and his Republican challenger, Pierre A. Rinfret, already have their party nominations and will not appear on the ballot.

The big statewide contest is the Democratic one for comptroller, with former New York City Council President Carol Bellamy battling Andrew J. Spano, the Westchester County clerk. The candidates have spent more time attacking the fiscal policies of Mr. Cuomo and the legislature's than each other's.

RHODE ISLAND

Gov. Edward D. PiPrete, the incumbent, is being challenged among Republicans by Steve White, a former radio talk-show host.

In the Democratic race, a nasty fight has emerged. Joseph Paolino, the Providence mayor, is questioned about what he should have known about a brewing police scandal. Bruce Sundlun has been making progress in his campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor on the theme of "I am not a politician." But newspapers reported yesterday that he had been raising money in a very political way, with hints of favors to come after the election. Frank Flaherty, Warwick mayor, is trying to stay above the fray. The Democrats are battling fiercely for the nomination because Governor DiPrete has been badly wounded by ethics conflicts and the sagging New England economy.

VERMONT

The incumbent governor, Madeleine M. Kunin, is not seeking re-election. Richard Snelling, a Republican and former governor, and Peter Welch, a former state senator, face only token opposition in their primaries.